Small Wonders of Inuit Art

April 1621, 2022
Auction begins to close at 2:00 pm ET

Online Auction
LOT 7

Lot 7

UNIDENTIFIED ARTIST

UNIDENTIFIED ARTIST
Lot 7 Details
UNIDENTIFIED ARTIST

HUNTING CARIBOU BY KAYAK

ivory, stone, embroidery thread
unsigned
largest 1.75 x .75 x 7 in — 4.4 x 2 x 17.8 cm

Estimate $300-$500

Realised: $900
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

Lot Report

Additional Images
UNIDENTIFIED ARTIST
  • UNIDENTIFIED ARTIST
  • UNIDENTIFIED ARTIST
Provenance:

Private collection, Ontario

Note:

In the autumn, Inuit hunters often camped near the seasonal crossing places of the migrating caribou herds, hunting the animals from kayaks as they swam across the rivers. In this ivory and stone sculpture, an unidentified artist has rendered such a scene with tremendous precision and attention to detail.

One of a handful of sculptures in the present auction acquired by Hugo Vaes in the mid-1950s while stationed in the Arctic alongside the Canadian Army. All of the works collected by Vaes are notable for their detailed and carefully executed carving. Please note the contemporary photograph of Mr. Vaes shown here for reference.

References:

Goetz, Helga, and Dr. William E Taylor Jr. The Inuit Print / T'estampe Inuit. Ottawa: National Museum of Man, 1977. p. 233


Many countries prohibit or restrict importation or exportation of property containing ivory, whale bone, sealskin, and/or products derived from other endangered or protected species, and require special licenses or permits in order to import or export such property. It is the responsibility of the buyer to ensure that the item is properly and lawfully exported / imported. Please do not hesitate to contact one of our specialists for further details.

CONDITION DETAILS

Minor checking on underside of ivory kayak, overall very good condition.

Please contact the specialist for further condition information.

LOT 7
×

About Condition Ratings

  • 5 Stars: Excellent - No discernable damage, flaws or imperfections
  • 4 Stars: Very Good - Minor flaws or imperfections visible only under close inspection using specialised instruments or black light
  • 3 Stars: Good - Minor flaws visible upon inspection under standard lighting
  • 2 Stars: Fair - Exhibits flaws or damage that may draw the eye under standard lighting
  • 1 Star: Poor - Flaws or damage immediately apparent under standard lighting (examples: missing components, rips, broken glass, damaged surfaces, etc.)

Note: Condition ratings and condition details are the subjective opinions of our specialists and should be used as a guide only. Waddington’s uses due care when preparing condition details, however, our staff are not professional restorers or conservators. Condition details and reports are not warranties and each lot is sold “as is” in accordance with the buyer’s terms and conditions of sale. In all cases the prospective purchaser is responsible for inspecting the property themselves prior to placing a bid.